I’m from the collision of helmets, the strength of linemen,

the agility of running backs, the quickness of receivers.

I’m from the field where skill and strength meet ambition.

I’m from the sweat of the weight room, the worn out cleats of training, the days of practice.

The cheers of a Friday night as the lights gleam on the field,

sounds of clashing bodies as one team drives towards the touchdown,

the loudness as the ball crosses into the endzone.

I’m from the mornings of training, the push to succeed from my dad and coaches,

the punishment of doing up downs after practice even though I liked them.

The days of pushing myself until I physically couldn’t move.

I’m from the setback of an injury, the most gruesome of its kind,

the pain and weakness that strung,

the thought of giving up because of not succeeding.

I’m from the thought of a career ending injury.

I’m from the soreness and bruises,

the injuries of broken hands and strained muscles,

the ice and Icy Hot applied.

I’m from an unforgiving, the sport pushing me to work hard,

the sport that molded me from a boy to a man.

The competition that knocks you down, teaches you to get back up and try again.

I'm from the field where skill and strength meet ambition of the game.